Turn a Blog into a Book

Are you a writer?  With a blog?  Interested in creating a book or eBook with content?  I did some research and testing, and found a site that converts blogs into Word or PDF format.  PDF and Word files are easily converted into ePub or MOBI format for SmashWords, Amazon or Google.  The formatting isn’t perfect and images are low resolution in free mode, but from the pages of this WordPress blog, I created a full PDF document with a few clicks.  Below is a screen shot with part of the table of contents:

My PDF document is 74 pages long after conversion.  PDFs are easily converted to ePub or MOBI format for eBook or eReader use.  Kindle eReaders prefer MOBI, something to consider when preparing an eBook for sale at Amazon.  SmashWords prefers ePub but accepts versions of Word, RTF, PDF and more.  PDF is generally safe for all self-publishing efforts.

This post doesn’t cover details for eBook formatting, but less complex text documents are better for publishing.  Word has many hidden formatting features that may cause issues when publishing eBooks.

Blog to Book with BlogBooker

Some plugins for WordPress claim to convert blogs to eBook formats, but don’t always work as advertised.  I found and tested BlogBooker and the ToC results are above.  The website has a very simple and free process.  The home page is below.  Clicking on the blue “Make your BlogBook” starts the program.

Bloggers can choose content from WordPress, Blogger, Medium, Twitter, Tumblr, TypePad and LiveJournal.  Simply select the desired platform, register with an email address, and follow the simple instructions.  Choose from Microsoft Word or PDF for the final format, choose convert, and in minutes, receive a full PDF or Word document that may be converted into an eBook.

BlogBooker Limits

BlogBooker isn’t perfect, but it is a good tool.  Below is a clip from one of the pages I converted.  Note that each of the bullet points converted into numbers.  Each was a hyperlink in the blog post, but not in the PDF.  Be sure to carefully proofread the converted product.  BlogBooker can also be used to see what a completed conversion looks like and writers can adjust accordingly.

BlogBooker only allows a few conversions for free.   BlogBooker has paid plans that allow higher resolution pictures and unlimited conversions. Prices range from $19.00 (basic) to $79.00 for premier.  Payment in U.S. dollars, British Pounds or € Euros.

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Homepreneurs has instructions for step-by-step publishing on Smashwords and on Kindle/Amazon.  Google instructions will be a future post.

Creating an eBook-ready document is simple with BookBlogger.  Self-publishing is easy on the major publishing websites.  All instructions are written on Homepreneurs.  Everything is free.

And the best part?  When the eBook sells, you get paid.  Month after month after month.  Do very little work and earn passive income via royalties for years.

Please leave any questions or feedback in the comments.  I’m happy to answer questions.

Dion

 

Dion Shaw is founder and owner of Homepreneurs.  All articles written are copyright to Dion Shaw and Homepreneurs.  No reproduction is permitted without express written consent and violators will be prosecuted.  Neither Dion Shaw nor Homepreneurs is paid or otherwise compensated for suggestions in these posts.  No responsibility is assumed by either Homepreneurs or Dion Shaw.

eBooks Are the Ultimate Home Business

eBooks are selling like crazy.  SmashWords just published its 250,000th independent book.

Writing eBooks isn’t hard or expensive.  Take what you know and write it out.  This link has tips and tricks for you to use.

Related articles

• Want to Sell eBooks on Your WordPress Site But Afraid It Might Get… (prweb.com)
• How to Market and Promote Your Book (bolstablog.wordpress.com)
• Turn your Blog into a Book (Homepreneurs)

Learn from Smashwords eBook Survey Results

Mark Coker – founder and owner of SmashWords – released a survey covering many topics about eBooks.  The survey, titled New SmashWords Survey Helps Authors Sell more eBooks, is very comprehensive and contains information the indie publisher can use right away.  Thanks to Mark for providing us this information!

If interested in publishing eBooks, either on SmashWords or on Kindle, click either of the links for how-to instructions.  eBooks are a great source of additional income – once written and published, they continue to earn royalties for years.  eBooks are truly the ultimate home business – I never left home to publish any of mine.

My eBook Sales – an Update

Homepreneurs suggests that eBooks are an excellent home business idea.  As you know, I’ve published a few on SmashWords and Kindle.  I received my first quarterly checks from both SmashWords and Kindle (Amazon).  As promised, this is an update of my eBook sales.  This isn’t a great deal of money – around $22.00.  Considering my books are generally priced at $.99 and I see $.76 or less, maybe not too bad?  Also, some of these books were published mid-quarter, modified and re-published.

The reason for telling you this is that I want to prove to you that it is possible to make money from eBooks and it is a real home business.  I did not leave my house to create either of these books.  All research, writing, and publishing was done at home.

The best part of eBooks is the ability to sell via multiple distributors – SmashWords, Apple, Kobo, Diesel, Barnes and Noble, Kindle,etc.  These books are available forever and I expect to continue to sell copies for some time.

One more time: If I can do this – you can do this!

Kindle Reader

Happiness is … Worth $.76!

I received another notice that a book sold.  I’ve sold a few dozens books.  Not going to make me wealthy, but that wasn’t the idea.  I knew that a $.99 price point would never make me tons of money.  I am very satisfied and happy that somebody actually wants to read what I wrote.  Definitely worth more than $.76 to me.

I’ve written before and will state again – writing and self-publishing eBooks is not a way to make a fortune, generally.  But, the self-satisfaction and any extra income is GOLDEN.  Write about business, history, fiction, erotica or anything..  Just write and follow our instructions to self-publish on Kindle and Smashwords.  If I can – you can.  Just do it!

Here are the details received in email from SmashWords:

Dear Dion,

Per your request, we’re writing to notify you someone has purchased your book:

Title	Qty	List Price	Coupon	Price Paid	Gift	Discount	Proceeds
10 Home Business Ideas for under $100	1	$0.99	None	$0.99		$0.00	$0.76

Total items: 1
Total proceeds: $0.76

Time: 2013-04-06 11:40:48 PT
Transaction id: 8DR30865CW181662X

Sincerely,

The Smashwords Team, https://www.smashwords.com

By Dion Shaw

Dion Shaw is the founder and owner of Homepreneurs

Homepreneurs.  New Day.  New Opportunity.

Disclaimer

Homepreneurs does not endorse nor have any relationships with any of the services listed (Homepreneurs is published on Kindle and SmashWords).  Homepreneurs receives no compensation or consideration for its suggestions or recommendations.  Homepreneurs strongly urges all interested parties to conduct research and accepts no responsibility for any losses incurred.

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